0Posted by Robert-Jan Broer on Jan 21, 2015
The Panerai Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech, or PAM00616, gets a lot of attention here in Geneva at the SIHH. You either hate or love the look of carbon, but one thing is sure, the look of the Carbotech used for this PAM00616 is different from other watches made of carbon you’ve seen.
Panerai Luminor 1950 Submersible Carbotech
In order to produce the Carbotech case, Panerai had to bind the long thin sheets of carbon fibres under high pressure and by temperatures. This binding was done using a high-end polymer called PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone). The result is a very strong and durable watch case with unique characteristics and appearance.
Since the Luminor Submersible 1950 Carbotech is a tool watch in the end, the material of the case also ensures that it is resistant to corrosion and very light. Lighter and stronger than ceramics and titanium. However, most people will fall for the aesthetics of this watch and don’t use it in or near the water.
Whether you like the look and feel of the Carbotech case is entirely up to you, Panerai offers plenty of alternatives. With this Carbotech PAM00616 however, Panerai combines their heritage with the latest technology in materials. Using a Carbotech case and still using a dial with yellowish patina-like hour markers and luminous material in the hands. It gives the watch a subtle contrast as the use of white Super Luminova would have looked very strange in our opinion. The shape of the case is typical for the Luminor 1950 and measures 47mm in diameter. This case shape has been designed and used by Panerai since the 1940s, when it was still Italian Navy equipment.
Inside, Panerai uses their in-house developed P.9000 movement for this Luminor 1950 Submersible Carbotech watch. A three hands watch with date and a 3-days power reserve. The hour hand can be set with increments of one hour (forwards and backwards) without having to correct the minute hand. At 3 o’clock you will find a small aperture that shows the date using the same yellowish color on a black disc. The date is therefore non-disturbing and keeps the dial very clean. The small seconds hand, dots of the small sub dial and the wording ‘Carbotech’ is printed in blue on the dial.
The Panerai Luminor 1950 Submersible Carbotech comes on a black rubber strap with blue OP logo. Price is set to €17.500 Euro and won’t hit the stores before October. More information can be found on www.panerainovelties.com
